South London's 'boys who do damage' return with a kaleidoscope of sounds!
Hard working live band Damage UK released their first album ‘Cyber Wars‘ back in 2022, and are eager to bring us more of their melodic Classic Punk sounds with ‘Innocent Bystanders‘ in 2024. Formed by Brian Damage and Paul Flynn (from Roxy Club 1977 survivors Nuffin’) with Reg Charles (ex- Xtraverts) and David Leak (Red Anger / Punky Reggae Party), they write, record and perform brand new Punk music.
Maybe the riffing is a bit more subtle and the sounds have more Post Punk influences, but the energy and pure exhilaration of Classic Punk is at the heart of the music. ‘Innocent Bystanders‘ kicks off with ‘Cauldron of Fire‘, a cracking song reminiscent of The Damned:
Love versus war is the subject of ‘Code Blue‘, a more soulful number, while funky title track ‘Innocent Bystanders’ examines the painful lives many are forced to live due to the warmongering actions of too many national leaders.
Guitar and bass reign supreme in ‘Speed of Love‘, which will be loved by fans of The Cure! The disgraceful issue of homelessness amongst our veterans is tackled in ‘Soldiers on our Streets’. A real Mod sound to this one.
A fine guitar riff heralds ‘Bet Your Life‘, shifting to an almost 1960s feel, while the lyrics raise the problem of how gambling is rigged against the masses.
Our ‘Right to Protest‘ is constantly under threat, so the guys urge us to use it while we can – Reg giving the cymbals a good thrashing to highlight the point! There’s awesome drumming from him in ‘Sixty-Nine Souls‘ as well.
In ‘Angry Bytes‘ the toxicity of keyboard warriors is highlighted . Dave’s guitar solo in this one is top notch! Of ‘Industrial Logic‘, singer and guitarist Brian explains “This one explores new sonic territory for us, but several people have told us it’s their new favourite from the album..and it’s a love song…sort of.”
A day will come when there will be ‘The Last Human‘ who remembers a time before the internet.. makes you think doesn’t it? Another superb guitar solo starts the bridge of this soulful song. ‘So Far So Good‘ concludes the album with a bang – it’s my favourite as it’s such a positive, upbeat song. Watch the live video from the album launch show (in HD – adjust your settings):
A superb collection of 12 songs from the sensational south London songwriting team, ‘Innocent Bystanders‘ was produced at Sunshine Corner Studios by Steve ‘Smiley’ Barnard and released on 31st August. Copies are available from the band (see upcoming tour dates below) or from their Bandcamp store HERE – CDs are in stock, and the limited edition vinyl LPs have just arrived too, so make the most of Bandcamp Friday to nab yours tomorrow!
Main Photo Credit: RUTH RAE
- Cauldron of Fire
- Code Blue
- Innocent Bystanders
- Speed of Love
- Soldiers on our Streets
- Bet Your Life
- Right to Protest
- Sixty-Nine Souls
- Angry Bytes
- Industrial Logic
- The Last Human
- So Far So Good
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Usually found jumping around down the front at gigs, I also relish taking photos and videos, singing, speaking with fellow music fans, and asking musicians the questions nobody else does. Writing about my favourite bands and connecting with people who love music too keeps me more-or-less sane! I’ve worked for over 25 years at a video production company, mainly filming live music events, therefore I have an additional backstage perspective on the scene.
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